Poarch Tribe Donates To Area Organizations

ATMORE, Ala., May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Poarch Creek Indian Reservation -- The Poarch Band of Creek Indians announced today it is donating more than $300,000 to several area organizations. These contributions are part of the Tribe's ongoing Planned Giving Campaign for 2013. The Tribe's donations will fund a wide variety of community services and projects. The Tribe's contributions will offset funding cuts in organizations as diverse as the United Cerebral Palsy's Camp SMILE, the Westside Athletic Association, and the Lighthouse Counseling Center.

"We are thrilled to have the Poarch Band of Creek Indians join us in sharing a summer camp experience to children and adults with disabilities," says UCP President and CEO, Glenn Harger. "Camp SMILE serves more than 300 individuals each summer, and Poarch Creek's involvement will truly provide a positive impact and life-long memories for everyone involved."

The Tribe's donations include:

$100,000 to United Cerebral Palsy/Camp SMILE.

$100,000 to the New Beginnings Ministries, Inc.

$50,000 to the Lighthouse Counseling Center.

$40,000 to the Westside Athletic Association.

$12,199 to the Dozier Improvement Committee.

"I can think of few better days than this one. It is an honor to be able to support these projects and help fund services that do some much for so many. If we can play some part in improving the quality of life for our neighbors in the community and our State, then we are truly blessed. We are committed as a Tribe and as individuals to helping those less fortunate where and when we can," said Tribal Chairman Buford L. Rolin.

About the Poarch Band of Creek Indians The Poarch Creek Indians are descendants of a segment of the original Creek Nation, which once covered almost all of Alabama and Georgia. Unlike many eastern Indian tribes, the Poarch Creeks were not removed from their tribal lands and have lived together for almost 200 years in and around the reservation in Poarch, Alabama. The reservation is located eight miles northwest of Atmore, Alabama, in rural Escambia County, and 57 miles east of Mobile.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized Indian Tribe in the state of Alabama, operating as a sovereign nation with its own system of government and bylaws. The Tribe operates a variety of economic enterprises, which employ hundreds of area residents. Poarch Creek Indian Gaming manages three gaming facilities in Alabama, including: Wind Creek Casino & Hotel in Atmore; Creek Casino Wetumpka in Wetumpka; and, Creek Casino Montgomery in Montgomery. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is an active partner in the state of Alabama, contributing to economic, educational, social and cultural projects benefiting both tribal members and residents of these local communities and neighboring towns.